Vintage brass Button - Postal Mail Carrier - stamped metal

Features

Features

Vintage

Item details

Item details

A single vintage brass uniform button. Official and the only approved design for use on mail carrier coats from the early 1900's thru 1971. From the "Post Office Department" Era when our country's delivery system was still owned and funded by the US government. The design features an old time carrier sporting a satchel, holding an envelope in his outstretched arm. Fine horizontial lines on the background with the letters P.O.D under the ground of which the courier stands. The button design prior to this was a rider on a horse representing the Pony Express.

Pure brass metal, front and back with a sturdy wire loop shank. Button size 7/8" (25 mm) for the front of the coat (larger than the sleeve size). Dotted ring design on back, stamped "SUPERIOR QUALITY" and MADE IN ENGLAND". Pristine, unused condition with no discolorations, 'patina', wear or dents. 1960 vintage or older.

***the story (if you are interested): The postal Reorganization act of 1970 (making the Post Office an independant business with no aid from tax dollar revenue) required a new logo, the eagle in a square. Employees were encouraged to update their wardrobe quickly and the obsolete buttons sat in many uniform store's basements where the alteration seamstess worked. As a button collector, I eyed the boxes of these for years. During my alteration fittings, I tried many times to convince Vera that she should give them to me. She did give me some even older ones - what a gal. She knew many other of my peers still had the old style coats (wool and much warmer than the newly arrived polyester/knit winter jacket on the showroom hangers now). She was right of course. I, myself waited until a brand new Gortex parka (zippers, snaps and velcro BTW, no buttons), became available before I gave up my hand-me-down woolie.

In the 1980's, after Vera retired, the owner's son Bill, gave me the go ahead to search the basement for leftover buttons. I salvaged a few of them in various sizes. All shiny and never used. These are the only ones I can find still stashed away from 20 years ago. I know I have others (pony express and the more modern eagle) but can't find them right now. Can you believe that the uniforms now have plain metal buttons and mostly snaps ?!?!?! Booooooo.

Estimated Shipping

I will refund a fair amount of the postage when you buy multiple items but pay individually... IF I can ship together. Sometimes I under-caculate shipping on multiple purchases and you make out - I absorb the overages.

Most items I sell here are small and be shipped first class US Mail. I don't use priority unless I am forced to. First class is just as fast and saves you money.

I try to ship the next day but I can't always. Items will be shipped within three days. I also reuse packaging. I pack well. Items are unlikely to be damaged during shipping. First Class mail includes tracking now so the info will be sent when I make out the label.I love international customers but I will not ship to a few select areas (Nigeria and other locations with internal war). I'm so sorry that our postage fees went up so much!

UPDATE Jan 2018 for International Shipping and within the USA:It just keeps going up :-( I have estimated new postage costs. As I gain experience with the new postal charges, I will adjust them .... if they need it. Meanwhile, I will refund any overage paid if it's $1 USD or more. Thanks for your patience as I learn.

Payments

Payments

I accept PayPal and Credit cards are now accepted through Etsy Direct Checkout.

Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:

Custom or personalized orders

Perishable products (like food or flowers)

Digital downloads

Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)

Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

Additional return information

Neither buyers or sellers enjoy dealing with refunds. I will offer a refund for return of the item including postage if the item is not as described. Please convo me before returning anything and we will work it out. I want happy customers that return to my shop.

Additional policies

Additional policies

If you ever have a question, just ask. Communication is the key to a happy transaction!I am the typo queen so if I goof, please be understanding. I am always fair.